sexism

Sexism is prejudice, stereotyping, or discrimination based on a person’s sex or gender. It can affect women and girls, men and boys, and non-binary people, though its most visible forms have historically targeted women. Sexist beliefs assign roles and traits to individuals solely because of gender, often implying that one gender is inferior or inappropriate for certain activities.

Sexism manifests in attitudes, language, and behavior as well as in institutions. Individual forms include harassment, objectification, and demeaning jokes; institutional forms include unequal pay for equal work, biased hiring and promotion, and laws or policies that limit access to education, political office, or legal rights. Media representation can reinforce these patterns by portraying gender in narrow ways.

Sexism is reinforced by cultural norms, power structures, and socialization that reward conformity and punish deviation. Consequences include reduced economic opportunity, poorer health and well-being, and diminished participation in public life. It often intersects with other forms of inequality, such as race, class, sexuality, and disability.

Efforts to reduce sexism include anti-discrimination laws, equal-pay initiatives, and harassment protections; organizational practices such as blind recruitment and diversity training; and educational programs that challenge stereotypes. Researchers and advocacy groups document gaps and advocate for policy changes and cultural shifts.

Historically, movements for women’s rights and gender equality have challenged sexist structures, and many forms of discrimination have diminished in some regions while persisting in others.